Patriots pile on: West Fargo’s Dahl Ks eight to earn win

The West Fargo Patriots defeated Fargo Post 2 12-7 in American Legion baseball on Monday at Veterans Memorial Field.

After pitching out of a bases-loaded jam in the first, West Fargo pitcher Tanner Dahl started to settle in. He pitched 7Xc innings giving up 10 hits while striking out eight and walking four.

“We got a great pitching performance,” said Bill Ibach West Fargo Coach. “He threw more pitches than I would have liked, but he really battled.”

The Patriots opened the scoring in the second on an errant throw by Fargo catcher Matt Fiechtner, and manufactured a second run with some small-ball.

Post 2 came roaring back in the fourth and took the lead on a three-run home run to center by second baseman Brady Horner.

Fargo starting pitch Trey Larson was pulled after 4Zc innings allowing six runs on seven hits with two strike outs. The bullpen for Post 2 was unable to keep their team in the game.

West Fargo collected four runs on two hits in the fifth. Tucker Bucholz hit a bases-loaded double off of the left field wall scoring three and giving the Patriots the lead for good. He ended his night 4-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs.

“I just went up there and didn’t think about it,” Bucholz said.

He is a double-roster athlete, playing for both the Patriots and the U16 Aces.

“We are a lot better team with him here,” Ibach said. “He has given us good at bats every time he has been with us.”

“I enjoy both of them,” Bucholz said. “I like playing with all my buddies.”

The big inning for West Fargo came in the sixth as 12 batters came to the plate and they scored six runs on six hits. Eric Benson hit a no-doubt solo home run over the left field fence. This started a string of five straight hits including three doubles.